Food-contact compliance starts with the intended use, not a logo on a certificate. Identify the destination market, components that can contact food, food types, temperature, duration and repeated-use conditions. The resulting evidence must apply to the materials and finished article that will actually be supplied.
General procurement reference. Final specifications, manufacturing feasibility and any compliance evidence must be confirmed for the particular product and intended use.
United States: verify the legal basis for each relevant substance
FDA explains that a substance reasonably expected to migrate into food must have an applicable legal basis, which may include a 21 CFR regulation, GRAS status, prior sanction, a Threshold of Regulation exemption or an effective Food Contact Substance Notification (FCN). A 21 CFR listing is therefore not the only route.
Confirm the substance, supplier and conditions of use covered by the evidence. An FCN is specific to the identified manufacturer, substance and use conditions; another supplier cannot automatically rely on it. A broad ‘FDA approved’ product label does not answer these questions.
European Union and Germany: separate the framework from the evidence
Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 provides the EU framework for food-contact materials. Good manufacturing practice is addressed by Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006. Material-specific rules also apply, including Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 for plastics. Plastic compliance includes appropriate composition information, a Declaration of Compliance (DoC) where required and supporting documentation.
LFGB is German legislation, not a single EU-wide product certification scheme. A laboratory report described as an ‘LFGB report’ should identify the actual requirements, article, test methods and use conditions assessed. It cannot substitute for a review of applicable EU and destination-country requirements. German BfR recommendations are not themselves binding legal standards.
Map the components before choosing tests
Do not assign compliance from a polymer name, ‘food grade’ label or stainless-steel grade alone. Review the complete formulation, finish, intended application and supporting records. Testing needs depend on the material and use; there is no single universal package of ‘FDA / LFGB tests’ that fits every product.
| Component | Evidence to consider |
|---|---|
| Body or food reservoir | Actual resin or material grade, additives and intended contact conditions. |
| Grinding mechanism and shaft | Material identity, any glaze or coating, wear and foreseeable food contact. |
| Colorants, coatings and seals | Their own suitability and the effect on the finished article; a compliant base resin does not cover every additive. |
| Decorative shell or base | Whether contact or transfer to food is foreseeable; assess the real design rather than relying on a part name. |
Check specific restrictions, including recycled plastics and bisphenols
Recycled plastic is not categorically prohibited from food-contact use. FDA evaluates recycling-process suitability and intended uses; the EU has specific rules under Regulation (EU) 2022/1616. Source controls, contamination removal, the process and use conditions need appropriate evidence.
For EU projects, review the current requirements on BPA and other relevant bisphenols, including Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 and its amendments or corrections. Exceptions and transition arrangements require a product-specific check. A ‘BPA-free’ claim does not establish overall food-contact compliance.
Request a usable documentation package
Keep the distinction between a supplier declaration, a laboratory test report and a regulatory authorization clear. They serve different purposes. A test result covers the assessed sample and conditions; it is not an unrestricted approval of every future production variant.
- Identify the destination markets, final product, component list and intended contact conditions in the request.
- Request material and supplier identification, the applicable legal basis and any required declaration of compliance.
- Where testing is needed, agree the actual sample, methods, food simulants or foods, time, temperature and repeat-use conditions with a suitable laboratory.
- Check report identity, results, limits, date and scope. A report for a different color, coating or material may not cover the supplied product.
- Agree who commissions and pays for the evidence, when it is available, and what happens if a result requires a material or design change.
- Link records to the production specification and manage supplier, formulation and process changes that could affect compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both FDA and LFGB certificates?
Define the markets first, then establish the applicable legal requirements and evidence. These labels do not describe two interchangeable, universal certificates for finished products.
How long is a report valid?
Check the report scope, applicable rules and buyer requirements. Material, additive, supplier, design or process changes can require reassessment; a date alone does not determine continued suitability.
Does this guide prove SZKONGTAT products are certified?
No. This is a general sourcing reference. Ask for the evidence available for the specific model, material and intended market, and verify its scope before relying on it.
Bring the requirements to your project
Share the destination market, product design and food-contact conditions to review the documentation needed and the evidence available for your project. Confirm regulatory decisions with a qualified laboratory or adviser.